Uplink Data Volume Reporting for Relay Node Congestion

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Solution Overview

Problem

In LTE and NR systems, the introduction of a relay node between user equipment and a base station leads to congestion at access nodes due to inadequate uplink resource allocation, causing transmission delays as local uplink data and other service data are aggregated, resulting in inefficient data transmission.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for sending a combined data volume report that includes both the uplink data volume of a device and the uplink data volume received from another device, allowing for more accurate resource allocation and reducing congestion by prioritizing the transmission of uplink data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If each access node independently manages uplink resources based on local buffer size, then resource management is simple and decentralized, but congestion occurs at access nodes and transmission delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource management complexityVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where relay nodes send buffer status reports to access nodes, enabling the access node to make informed scheduling decisions. The access node receives buffer status information from relay nodes and adjusts uplink resource allocation accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents congestion while maintaining manageable complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables preliminary action by allowing relay nodes to report their buffer status before actual data transmission occurs. The access node receives advance information about upcoming data volumes and proactively allocates uplink resources, preventing congestion before it happens rather than reacting after congestion occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If uplink resources are allocated based on local buffer size only, then allocation process is simple and fast, but insufficient resources are allocated causing data aggregation and congestion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoiduplink resource quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the access node perform multiple functions: it acts as both a resource allocator for direct UEs and as a centralized controller that receives buffer status reports from relay nodes. The access node universally manages uplink resources for both direct and relayed connections, ensuring sufficient resource allocation while maintaining allocation efficiency through unified scheduling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If relay nodes aggregate local uplink data and received service data, then complete data transmission is achieved, but congestion occurs and transmission delay increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission completenessVSAvoidtransmission delay
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the congestion problem while maintaining transmission completeness through feedback. Relay nodes continuously report their buffer status to the access node, which uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust uplink resource allocation. This ensures that sufficient resources are allocated to handle aggregated data from multiple sources without causing congestion, thereby maintaining both reliability and reducing delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3735084B1Method and apparatus for sending data quantity report
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3735084B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3735084B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3735084B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

This application relates to the field of communications technologies, and provides a method and an apparatus for sending a data volume report, to resolve a problem that an access node is congested with data. The method and the apparatus are applied to a relay system and the solution includes: sending, by a first device, a first data volume report to an access device when a data volume reporting condition is met, and the data volume reporting condition includes any one or more of the following: at least one of an uplink data volume of the first device and an uplink data volume of another device is greater than or equal to a first threshold; a time for which at least one of the uplink data volume of the first device and the uplink data volume of the another device is greater than or equal to the first threshold is greater than or equal to a first time threshold; instruction information used to instruct the first device to report at least one of the uplink data volume of the first device and a data volume report of the another device is received; at least one of a plurality of connections between the first device and the access device is disconnected; and a connection between the first device and another access device is disconnected.